Daikanyama Guide - Tokyo's Trendy Haven
Daikanyama T-Site
Located just south of the bustling Shibuya district, Daikanyama emerges as a serene yet stylish ward within Tokyo's urban landscape. Characterized by its low-rise buildings, green streets, and a mix of boutiques, cafes, and cultural landmarks, Daikanyama exudes a unique and calming atmosphere.
This guide unveils the essence of Daikanyama, exploring the best places to eat, get a good coffee, or find the newest addition to your wardrobe.
In this Daikanyama Guide
Exploring the charm of Daikanyama
Daikanyama T-Site
The coffee
The food
Hidden gems
The shops
How to get to Daikanyama
Exploring the Charm of Daikanyama
Daikanyama stands out amidst Tokyo's bustling neighborhoods for its distinctive charm and laid-back ambiance. Unlike the towering structures and hectic pace of neighboring Shibuya and Ebisu, Daikanyama offers a refreshing change with its low-rise buildings and tranquil streets.
Here, visitors and Tokyoites alike can immerse themselves in a fusion of contemporary culture and traditional aesthetics, where quirky shops and cafes coexist with historical landmarks.
Daikanyama T-Site
At the heart of Daikanyama lies the iconic Daikanyama T-Site, a commercial complex that has become a symbol of the district's modern allure.
Daikanyama T-Site
Tsutaya Books Daikanyama T-Site
The Daikanyama T-Site features one of Tokyo’s most beautiful and impressive bookstores. Tsutaya Books, spanning three buildings, creates an inspiring atmosphere. Here, you can do more than just buy books. Grab a magazine or book, head to one of the bars in the complex, and enjoy a good read before deciding whether to purchase it. The choice is yours.
Starbucks and Anjin Tea & Coffeeshop
Anjin Tea & Coffeeshop Daikanyama
Speaking of bars, T-Site holds both a Starbucks, which is often full, and a more tranquil and slightly higher-end tea house called Anjin Tea and Coffeeshop. Both are nestled within the Tsutaya bookstore, so feel free to take any book with you while enjoying your drink. Just mind that both bars will set you back around ¥800 - ¥1000 for a drink.
Share Lounge
Share Lounge Co-working space
Even if you’re looking for a place to work, Daikanyama T-Site has your back. In 2021 the place opened a new co-working space called Share Lounge. Be sure to book a spot in advance on the Tsutaya Share Lounge app. The co-working space is located on the 2nd floor and has its own snack bar. If you booked your seat, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat collection of soup, sweets, and healthy snacks.
The coffee of Daikanyama
Daikanyama may not be a large district, but it certainly doesn’t fall short on coffee options. Below are our three favorite specialty coffee shops in Daikanyama, perfect for a delicious brew, whether you prefer to take out or sit in.
Mocha Coffee
Mocha Coffee Daikanyama
Mocha Coffee is a charming café hidden in Daikanyama. The intimate coffee place, surrounded by glass walls, offers hand-drip coffee using beans sourced from Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula, and Turkey. You can find about a dozen varieties of single-origin coffee served in chinese cups. If you’re a true coffee aficionado, owner Maiko Miyake can explain the flavors of each option and her personal recommendation.
Café Façon Roaster Atelier
Café Façon Roaster Atelier
This small specialty coffee place is located along Daikanyama’s Log Road. Founded by Kenji Okauchi in 2014, Café Façon Roaster Atelier offers hand drip coffee and homemade sweets. Their menu also features classics like espresso, americano, or cafe latte. The place might look small at first, but they have more space on the 3rd floor. Café Façon also has two more locations in both Kamimeguro and Aobadai which are definitely worth a visit.
Blue Bottle Daikanyama
Blue Bottle Coffee Daikanyama
This American coffee chain has certainly made a significant impact in Tokyo. With Blue Bottle coffee readily available throughout the city, taking a break for a quality brew at any Blue Bottle location is always a great choice. The Daikanyama branch, in particular, features a sleek interior with a prominent central counter, blending industrial design with a calming, inspiring atmosphere. Additionally, the outdoor seating sets it apart from many other Tokyo coffee shops.
The food of Daikanyama
Daikanyama’s food scene is a mix of old an new. From traditional eateries that have been around since the 70s, to new concept stores or fusion restaurants. While it’s always a good idea to venture off on your own and stumble on amazing food places, we provide you with our recommendations for a snack, lunch, or dinner in Daikanyama.
Henry’s Burger
Henry’s Burger Daikanyama
Located at the edge of the Daikanyama district, Henry’s Burger is a good old-fashioned burger joint with a unique story. Named after Kentaro Nakahara’s nickname 'Henry' from his time in California, this place has a simple yet clear mission: to serve authentic hamburgers that highlight the meat’s natural flavors. At Henry’s Burger, all the burgers are American-style, made from Wagyu beef. It’s a great spot for a pit stop during your exploration of Daikanyama.
Sue Zen
Sue Zen Daikanyama
If you’re in for a more traditional food experience, be sure to visit Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant Sue Zen. Opened in 1968, Sue Zen has a minimalist entrance reflecting the essence of wabi-sabi. As you step inside, a sense of calm washes over you, thanks to the serene interior.
The place offers attentive service and delicious dishes like minced chicken rice bowl, and tons of fish options like salted mackerel. Sue Zen is the place to go for the more low key and intimate Japanese food experience.
Haisai Kitchen
Haisai Kitchen Daikanyama
Haisai Kitchen in Daikanyama can best be described as creative cuisine. A charming and upbeat restaurant with a terrace presenting a menu of Okinawan-Italian fusion dishes. Their menu is pretty broad, featuring margarita pizza, sea grape with prosciutto salad, taco rice, and more, all with an Okinawan touch. A great and affordable food experience.
Hacienda Del Cielo
Hacienda Del Cielo Daikanyama
Hacienda Del Cielo, often simply called Hacienda, is a modern Mexican eatery situated on the ninth floor in Daikanyama, featuring a rooftop bar. The name translates to 'place in the sky,' which perfectly captures the elevated experience awaiting you. With its high ceilings, expansive windows, and lounge-style seating, you'll feel as if you're floating above the city. The menu offers all the classics you'd expect from a top-notch Mexican restaurant—nachos, quesadillas, burritos, and tortillas, among others. Despite its prime location, Hacienda remains surprisingly affordable.
Hidden gems
Log Road & Spring Valley Brewery
Spring Valley Brewery at Log Road Daikanyama
Deep into Daikanyama you’ll find a stretch of 220m filled with green, wood, and style. Daikanyama Log Road is a development project creating a green oasis in Tokyo’s landscape. The highlight of Log Road is the Spring Valley Brewery, a former warehouse transformed into a large craft beer brewery by Kirin. The first floor now features a pub with a visual display behind the beer taps that shows the color of each beer.
Old Asakura House
Old Asakura House Daikanyama
Built in 1919 as the private residence of assembly chairman Torajiro Asakura, the Old Asakura House, also known as Kyu Asakura wooden house is considered Cultural Property by the Japanese government, and it’s easy to see why.
Surviving both the bombings of World War II and the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Kyu Asakura House is one of the few remaining traditional Japanese wooden houses in Tokyo. It offers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of Japan's old elite. The house features traditional tatami rooms, and the cedar rooms (Suginoma) on the west side of the ground floor provide a stunning view of the adjacent Japanese garden.
The shops of Daikanyama
Daikanyama has no shortage of shops. From clothing to books, the area is filled with both second hand and designer stores all blending in together seamlessly. It's easy to spend an entire day exploring Daikanyama, so here are our recommendations to help you get started.
Hollywood Ranch Market
Hollywood Ranch Market
Hollywood Ranch Market, an original brand created by the specialty store SEILIN & Co. in Daikanyama, has been at the forefront of Japanese casual fashion since the 1980s. Known for its American casual wear, the store offers a complete lifestyle experience, including accessories and household goods. Despite its relatively small and limited space, the store's atmosphere makes browsing as enjoyable as shopping in a larger store. Hollywood Ranch Market has also embraced eco-friendly practices, offering products made from recycled materials and organic cotton. The spirit of the brand is reflected in the message on its price tags: ‘ARIGATO LOVE EARTH & NATURE.’
Hypegolf
Hypegolf Daikanyama
Hypegolf, a division of Hypebeast, is set to redefine the modern-day golfer. The flagship store in Daikanyama, designed by Tokyo-based interior designer Yusuke Seki, boasts a minimalistic and functional aesthetic, creating a stylish yet inviting space. Both the brand and the store seamlessly blend streetwear, youth culture, and golf.
G O D Daikanyama
G O D Daikanyama
Tucked away in Daikanyama, G O D is a charming, small boutique offering handmade quality clothing and accessories. Specializing in shirts, shorts, and pants for both men and women, their collection frequently features linen, a lightweight and breathable fabric. Despite its compact size, the store's cozy atmosphere adds to its appeal. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to share insights about the clothing and the craftsmanship behind each piece.
Mother lip
Mother Lip Daikanyama
If you're seeking an antique vintage market in the heart of Daikanyama, you're in luck. Mother Lip’s beautifully exotic market features a stunning collection of European vintage brands, mostly second-hand. You'll find pristine 70s Puma trainers, Yves Saint Laurent blazers, and accessories by Celine. It's a must-visit destination for every vintage aficionado in Tokyo.
Shin Books Sakabashi
Shin Books Daikanyama
If you're spending time at Tsutaya Books T-Site, you'll love discovering Shin Books Sakabashi. This charming independent bookstore offers a wonderful collection of art books, ranging from architecture to design. While most of the books are in Japanese, you'll also find some captivating English titles and richly illustrated gems.
Daikanyama stands as a testament to Tokyo's diversity and dynamism, offering a unique blend of culture, fashion, and cuisine in a charming neighborhood setting. From its iconic landmarks to its hidden treasures, Daikanyama captures the interest of both visitors and Tokyoiteswith its distinctive charm and timeless appeal.
How to get to Daikanyama
Daikanyama Station is serviced by the Tokyu-Toyoko Line.
From Shinjuku Station:
JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya
Transfer to Tokyu-Toyoko Line to Daikanyama
From Tokyo Station
JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya
Transfer to Tokyu-Toyoko Line to Daikanyama
From Shibuya it’s a 15 minute walk to Daikanyama.
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